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	<title>Lindsey&#039;s Library &#187; middle school</title>
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		<title>Diary of a Wimpy Kid-The Ugly Truth</title>
		<link>http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2011/09/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-the-ugly-truth/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2011/09/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-the-ugly-truth/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:37:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lindsey</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Of]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Classroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Graphic Novels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recommended]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adolescents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[comedy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diary of a wimpy kid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[father]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fatherhood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[funny]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[graphic novels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greg Heffley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[illustrations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jeff kinney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle school]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/?p=1628</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Ugly Truth (Book 5)
Jeff Kinney
Amulet, 2010
Fiction, Graphic Novel
ISBN: 0810984911 
224 pages

Synopsis
Greg Heffley has always been in a hurry to grow up. But is getting older really all it’s cracked up to be? Greg suddenly finds himself dealing with the pressures of boy-girl parties, increased responsibilities, and even [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810984911?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0810984911" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0810984911.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="top_overall"><strong>Overall Rating:</strong> 3.7 out of 5 stars</div>
<div class="book_info"><span class="book_title">Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Ugly Truth (Book 5)</span><br />
<span class="book_author">Jeff Kinney</span><br />
<span class="book_publisher">Amulet, 2010</span><br />
<span class="book_genre">Fiction, Graphic Novel</span><br />
<span class="book_isbn">ISBN: 0810984911 </span><br />
<span class="book_pages">224 pages</span></div>
<div class="book_synopsis">
<h3>Synopsis</h3>
<p>Greg Heffley has always been in a hurry to grow up. But is getting older really all it’s cracked up to be? Greg suddenly finds himself dealing with the pressures of boy-girl parties, increased responsibilities, and even the awkward changes that come with getting older—all without his best friend, Rowley, at his side. Can Greg make it through on his own? Or will he have to face the “ugly truth&#8221;?<span id="more-1628"></span></p>
</div>
<div class="book_critique">
<h3>Critique</h3>
<p>Although I love this series and what Kinney has done with his unique voice in the genre of graphic novels, I was disappointed in this book. I suppose, at some level, you can only rewrite the same type of story so many times before it starts to become a little tired. The only major change with this book in comparison to its predecessors is that Greg is a little older, and his friend Rowley isn’t around. It’s not bad, by any means, and I would definitely recommend it to those who love this series, it’s not as good as the earlier books.</p>
<p>The other books in this series are <a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2007/04/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid</a> (book 1),<a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2008/02/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-rodrick-rules/" target="_blank"> Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules</a> (book 2), <a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/04/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-the-last-straw/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw</a> (book 3), and <a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/11/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-dog-days/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days</a> (book 4).</p>
</div>
<div class="book_rating">
<h3>Rating Rubric</h3>
<p><span><strong>Enjoyable Read:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Original Story:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Original Plot:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Language:</strong> 4 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Asthetics:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Depth In Characters:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Depth In Story:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Social Commentary:</strong> 2 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Layers/Complexity:</strong> 2 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Classroom Text:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span class="overall"><strong>Overall Rating:</strong> 3.7 out of 5 stars</span></p>
</div>
<div class="book_classroom">
<h3>For the Classroom</h3>
<p>Although this is a fun read and applicable to anyone in late elementary or middle school, it’s not something that can really be used as a classroom companion for normal studies.</p>
</div>
<div class="other_books">
<h3>Other Books You May Like</h3>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316003956?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0316003956" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0316003956.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385746865?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0385746865" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0385746865.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439813786?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0439813786" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0439813786.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days</title>
		<link>http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/11/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-dog-days/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/11/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-dog-days/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:19:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lindsey</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Of]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Classroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Graphic Novels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adolescents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[comedy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diary of a wimpy kid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[father]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fatherhood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[funny]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[graphic novels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greg Heffley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[illustrations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jeff kinney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle school]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/?p=1356</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A quick summary of the review.  50/100 words.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810983915?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0810983915" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0810983915.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="top_overall"><strong>Overall Rating:</strong> 3.7 out of 5 stars</div>
<div class="book_info"><span class="book_title">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (Book 4)</span><br />
<span class="book_author">Jeff Kinney</span><br />
<span class="book_publisher">Amulet, 2009</span><br />
<span class="book_genre">Fiction, Graphic Novel</span><br />
<span class="book_isbn">ISBN: 0810983915</span><br />
<span class="book_pages">224 pages</span></div>
<div class="book_synopsis">
<h3>Synopsis</h3>
<p>It’s summer vacation, the weather’s great, and all the kids are having fun outside. So where’s Greg Heffley? Inside his house, playing video games with the shades drawn.<span id="more-1356"></span></p>
<p>Greg, a self-confessed “indoor person,” is living out his ultimate summer fantasy: no responsibilities and no rules. But Greg’s mom has a different vision for an ideal summer . . . one packed with outdoor activities and “family togetherness.”</p>
<p>Whose vision will win out? Or will a new addition to the Heffley family change everything?</p></div>
<div class="book_critique">
<h3>Critique</h3>
<p>These graphic novels by Kinney are so much fun to read. They’re quick and easy, but help to remind us all about the perils of middle school and growing up. They put “picture books” in an entirely different kind of category, walking the line between the often dark and ornate worlds of the comic books or graphic novels, and the simplistic messages conveyed by illustrated books for children. It feels very much like you’re reading the journal/diary of a tween.</p>
<p>The other books in this series are <a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2007/04/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid</a> (book 1),<a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2008/02/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-rodrick-rules/" target="_blank"> Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules</a> (book 2), and <a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/04/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-the-last-straw/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw</a> (book 3).</div>
<div class="book_rating">
<h3>Rating Rubric</h3>
<p><span><strong>Enjoyable Read:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Original Story:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Original Plot:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Language:</strong> 4 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Asthetics:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Depth In Characters:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Depth In Story:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Social Commentary:</strong> 2 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Layers/Complexity:</strong> 2 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Classroom Text:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span class="overall"><strong>Overall Rating:</strong> 3.7 out of 5 stars</span></div>
<div class="book_classroom">
<h3>For the Classroom</h3>
<p>Although this is a fun read and applicable to anyone in late elementary or middle school, it’s not something that can really be used as a classroom companion for normal studies.</p></div>
<div class="other_books">
<h3>Other Books You May Like</h3>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316003956?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0316003956" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0316003956.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385746865?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0385746865" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0385746865.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439813786?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0439813786" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0439813786.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
</div>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Touch</title>
		<link>http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/10/touch/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/10/touch/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:59:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lindsey</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coming of age]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[growing up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[harassment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[high school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[law suit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maisie Willard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pennsylvania]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sexual harassment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teenagers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wisconsin]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/?p=1319</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Prose does an excellent job of handling what is likely to be considered a difficult topic to address in young adult literature. Even though the main character is 14 and books featuring 14 year olds are typically read by 10-14 year olds, I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone younger than 14. The aspects of Maisie’s life regarding growing up, trying to find independence with two separate sets of parents, and her changing body are explored with tact and honesty, but everything involving ‘the incident’ takes it from about 10mph to 70mph in no time flat. There is a level of ambiguity about the incident that plays up the story overall in an interesting way. However, personally I didn’t enjoy reading the book, but I suppose that’s not necessarily the point. I commend Prose on her courage in addressing difficult issues like sexual harassment and her honesty regarding all parties surrounding them.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061375179?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0061375179" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0061375179.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="top_overall"><strong>Overall Rating:</strong> 4.25 out of 5 stars</div>
<div class="book_info"><span class="book_title">Touch</span><br />
<span class="book_author">Francine Prose</span><br />
<span class="book_publisher">HarperTeen, 2009</span><br />
<span class="book_genre">Fiction</span><br />
<span class="book_isbn">ISBN: 0061375179</span><br />
<span class="book_pages">272 pages</span></div>
<div class="book_synopsis">
<h3>Synopsis</h3>
<p>Something happened to fourteen-year-old Maisie Willard—something involving her three friends, all boys. But their stories don&#8217;t match, and the rumors spin out of control. Then other people get involved . . . the school, the parents, the lawyers. The incident at the back of the bus becomes the center of Maisie&#8217;s life and the talk of the school, and, horribly, it becomes news. With just a few words and a touch, the kids and their community are changed forever.<span id="more-1319"></span></div>
<div class="book_critique">
<h3>Critique</h3>
<p>Prose does an excellent job of handling what is likely to be considered a difficult topic to address in young adult literature. Even though the main character is 14 and books featuring 14 year olds are typically read by 10-14 year olds, I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone younger than 14.</p>
<p>The aspects of Maisie’s life regarding growing up, trying to find independence with two separate sets of parents, and her changing body are explored with tact and honesty, but everything involving ‘the incident’ takes it from about 10mph to 70mph in no time flat. There is a level of ambiguity about the incident that plays up the story overall in an interesting way. However, personally I didn’t enjoy reading the book, but I suppose that’s not necessarily the point. I commend Prose on her courage in addressing difficult issues like sexual harassment and her honesty regarding all parties surrounding them.</p></div>
<div class="book_rating">
<h3>Rating Rubric</h3>
<p><span><strong>Enjoyable Read:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Original Story:</strong> 4 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Original Plot:</strong> 4 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Language:</strong> 3.5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Asthetics:</strong> 3.5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Depth In Characters:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Depth In Story:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Social Commentary:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Layers/Complexity:</strong> 4.5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Classroom Text:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span class="overall"><strong>Overall Rating:</strong> 4.25 out of 5 stars</span></div>
<div class="book_classroom">
<h3>For the Classroom</h3>
<p>There’s not much that can be used in this story specifically as a classroom companion. However, it’s a great book to recommend to girls and boys around 14 or 15 who are beginning to process through their journey about growing up. Becoming an adult is difficult and confusing for everyone.</p></div>
<div class="other_books">
<h3>Other Books You May Like</h3>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076364157X?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=076364157X" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/076364157X.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0393069508?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0393069508" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0393069508.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670011835?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0670011835" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0670011835.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
</div>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw</title>
		<link>http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/04/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-the-last-straw/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/04/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-the-last-straw/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2009 23:21:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lindsey</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[2009]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Of]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Classroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Graphic Novels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adolescents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[comedy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diary of a wimpy kid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[father]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fatherhood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[funny]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[graphic novels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greg Heffley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[illustrations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jeff kinney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle school]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/?p=947</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[These graphic novels by Kinney are so much fun to read. They’re quick and easy, but help to remind us all about the perils of middle school and growing up. They put “picture books” in an entirely different kind of category, walking the line between the often dark and ornate worlds of the comic books or graphic novels, and the simplistic messages conveyed by illustrated books for children. It feels very much like you’re reading the journal/diary of a tween.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810970686?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0810970686" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0810970686.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="top_overall"><strong>Overall Rating:</strong> 3.5 out of 5 stars</div>
<div class="book_info"><span class="book_title">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw (Book 3)</span><br />
<span class="book_author">Jeff Kinney</span><br />
<span class="book_publisher">Amulet Books, 2008</span><br />
<span class="book_genre">Fiction, Graphic Novel</span><br />
<span class="book_isbn">ISBN: 0810994739</span><br />
<span class="book_pages">224 pages</span></div>
<div class="book_synopsis">
<h3>Synopsis</h3>
<p>Greg’s school year is winding down and so is his journal; however, he seems to live the same way and make the same sorts of self-centered choices that have a tendency to get him in trouble throughout the previous three books. This graphic-novel style story chronicles the life of middle-schooler Greg Heffley as told by Greg through hand-written words and pictures in his diary.<span id="more-947"></span> Starting off the diary entries by deciding that he doesn’t need to make a New Year’s resolution because he’s the only perfect person he knows sets the tone for a fun and entertaining look at a young man trying to navigate middle school life with a largely self-serving and oblivious attitude toward the people around him.</div>
<div class="book_critique">
<h3>Critique</h3>
<p>These graphic novels by Kinney are so much fun to read. They’re quick and easy, but help to remind us all about the perils of middle school and growing up. They put “picture books” in an entirely different kind of category, walking the line between the often dark and ornate worlds of the comic books or graphic novels, and the simplistic messages conveyed by illustrated books for children. It feels very much like you’re reading the journal/diary of a tween.</p>
<p>The other books in this series are <a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2007/04/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid (book 1)</a>, <a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2008/02/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-rodrick-rules/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (book 2)</a>, and  <a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/11/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-dog-days/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (book 4)</a>.</div>
<div class="book_rating">
<h3>Rating Rubric</h3>
<p><span><strong>Enjoyable Read:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Original Story:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Original Plot:</strong> 4 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Language:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Asthetics:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Depth In Characters:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Depth In Story:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Social Commentary:</strong> 2 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Layers/Complexity:</strong> 2 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span><strong>Classroom Text:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span><br />
<span class="overall"><strong>Overall Rating:</strong> 3.5 out of 5 stars</span></div>
<div class="book_classroom">
<h3>For the Classroom</h3>
<p>Although this is a fun read and applicable to anyone in late elementary or middle school, it’s not something that can really be used as a classroom companion for normal studies.</p></div>
<div class="other_books">
<h3>Other Books You May Like</h3>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316013692?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0316013692" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0316013692.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618724834?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0618724834" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0618724834.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763643327?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0763643327" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0763643327.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
</div>
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		<title>Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules</title>
		<link>http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2008/02/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-rodrick-rules/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2008/02/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-rodrick-rules/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:52:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lindsey</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[2008]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Of]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Graphic Novels]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[adolescents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[comedy]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[diary of a wimpy kid]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[middle school]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/?p=366</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[These graphic novels by Kinney are so much fun to read. They’re quick and easy, but help to remind us all about the perils of middle school and growing up. They put “picture books” in an entirely different kind of category, walking the line between the often dark and ornate worlds of the comic books or graphic novels, and the simplistic messages conveyed by illustrated books for children. It feels very much like you’re reading the journal/diary of a tween.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810994739?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0810994739" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0810994739.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="top_overall"><strong>Overall Rating:</strong> 3.5 out of 5 stars</div>
<div class="book_info"><span class="book_title">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (Book 2)</span><br />
<span class="book_author">Jeff Kinney</span><br />
<span class="book_publisher">Amulet Books, 2008</span><br />
<span class="book_genre">Fiction&lt;</span><br />
<span class="book_isbn">ISBN-10: 0810994739</span><br />
<span class="book_pages">224 pages</span></div>
<div class="book_synopsis">
<h3>Synopsis</h3>
<p>Who can keep secrets when there’s an older brother there to tell everyone? Greg Heffley has gone through something disastrous over his summer vacation that he wants no one to know about. Now that the school year has started, he has to navigate the pressures and difficulties of middle school, a bully of an older brother, a tattletale younger brother, and a big secret he fights desperately to keep.<span id="more-366"></span></div>
<div class="book_critique">
<h3>Critique</h3>
<p>These graphic novels by Kinney are so much fun to read. They’re quick and easy, but help to remind us all about the perils of middle school and growing up. They put “picture books” in an entirely different kind of category, walking the line between the often dark and ornate worlds of the comic books or graphic novels, and the simplistic messages conveyed by illustrated books for children. It feels very much like you’re reading the journal/diary of a tween.</p>
<p><!--StartFragment--></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>The other books in this series are <a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2007/04/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid</a> (book 1), <a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/04/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-the-last-straw/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Last Straw</a> (book 3), and </span><a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/11/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-dog-days/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days</a><span> (book 4).</span></p>
<p><!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="book_rating">
<h3>Rating Rubric</h3>
<p><span><strong>Enjoyable Read:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span> <span><strong>Original Story:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span> <span><strong>Original Plot:</strong> 4 out of 5 stars</span> <span><strong>Language:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span> <span><strong>Asthetics:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span> <span><strong>Depth In Characters:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span> <span><strong>Depth In Story:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span> <span><strong>Social Commentary:</strong> 2 out of 5 stars</span> <span><strong>Layers/Complexity:</strong> 2 out of 5 stars</span> <span><strong>Classroom Text:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span> <span class="overall"><strong>Overall Rating:</strong> 3.5 out of 5 stars</span></div>
<div class="book_classroom">
<h3>For the Classroom</h3>
<p>Although this is a fun read and applicable to anyone in late elementary or middle school, it’s not something that can really be used as a classroom companion for normal studies.</p></div>
<div class="other_books">
<h3>Other Books You May Like</h3>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385746865?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0385746865" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0385746865.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<p> 
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439895294?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0439895294" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0439895294.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<p> 
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439813786?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0439813786" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0439813786.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
</div>
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		<title>Diary of a Wimpy Kid</title>
		<link>http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2007/04/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid/</link>
		<comments>http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2007/04/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 Apr 2007 14:13:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>lindsey</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[2007]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Of]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Classroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Graphic Novels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adolescents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[comedy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diary of a wimpy kid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[father]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fatherhood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[funny]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[graphic novel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[halloween]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jeff kinney]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[middle school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[popularity]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/?p=894</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[These graphic novels by Kinney are so much fun to read. They’re quick and easy, but help to remind us all about the perils of middle school and growing up. They put “picture books” in an entirely different kind of category, walking the line between the often dark and ornate worlds of the comic books or graphic novels, and the simplistic messages conveyed by illustrated books for children. It feels very much like you’re reading the journal/diary of a tween.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810993139?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0810993139" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0810993139.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="top_overall"><strong>Overall Rating:</strong> 3.5 out of 5 stars</div>
<div class="book_info"><span class="book_title">Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Book 1)</span><br />
<span class="book_author">Jeff Kinney</span><br />
<span class="book_publisher">Abrams Books For Young Readers, 2007</span><br />
<span class="book_genre">Fiction</span><br />
<span class="book_isbn">ISBN: 0810993139</span><br />
<span class="book_pages">224 pages</span></div>
<div class="book_synopsis">
<h3>Synopsis</h3>
<p>Greg Heffley is just another average middle-schooler. All he wants is to be popular and have girls like him. However, a younger and older brother, well-meaning parents, and nerdy friends often get in the way of those quests. Told from the first person in ‘diary’ format, this hybrid between a traditional fiction book and a graphic novel takes a look into the life of a middle-school boy and brings the humor to the surface. I recommend this book to readers 8-13, and boys will find it most engaging.<span id="more-894"></span></div>
<div class="book_critique">
<h3>Critique</h3>
<p>These graphic novels by Kinney are so much fun to read. They’re quick and easy, but help to remind us all about the perils of middle school and growing up. They put “picture books” in an entirely different kind of category, walking the line between the often dark and ornate worlds of the comic books or graphic novels, and the simplistic messages conveyed by illustrated books for children. It feels very much like you’re reading the journal/diary of a tween.</p>
<p>The other books in this series are <a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2008/02/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-rodrick-rules/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules</a> (book 2), <a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/04/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-the-last-straw/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Last Straw</a> (book 3), and <a href="http://www.lindseyslibrary.com/2009/11/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-dog-days/" target="_blank">Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days</a> (book 4).</div>
<div class="book_rating">
<h3>Rating Rubric</h3>
<p><span><strong>Enjoyable Read:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Original Story:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Original Plot:</strong> 4 out of 5 stars</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Language:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Asthetics:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Depth In Characters:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Depth In Story:</strong> 3 out of 5 stars</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Social Commentary:</strong> 2 out of 5 stars</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Layers/Complexity:</strong> 2 out of 5 stars</span></p>
<p><span><strong>Classroom Text:</strong> 5 out of 5 stars</span></p>
<p><span class="overall"><strong>Overall Rating:</strong> 3.5 out of 5 stars</span></div>
<div class="book_classroom">
<h3>For the Classroom</h3>
<p>Although this is a fun read and applicable to anyone in late elementary or middle school, it’s not something that can really be used as a classroom companion for normal studies.</p></div>
<div class="other_books">
<h3>Other Books You May Like</h3>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316003956?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0316003956" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0316003956.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385746865?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0385746865" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0385746865.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="amazon_link"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439813786?ie=UTF8&#038;tag=lindslibr-20&#038;linkCode=as2&#038;camp=1789&#038;creative=390957&#038;creativeASIN=0439813786" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0439813786.03.MZZZZZZZ.jpg" /> </a></div>
</div>
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